We delivered a third teaching microscope the previous week, paid for with the sponsorship of Electric Aid and funds raised by the Irish Friends of Albania Fashion Show held in Galway in April of this year. We also gifted some more micro instruments, clamps and micro sutures essential for the Course.

These were very gratefully accepted by the head of the Neurosurgery Department, Professor Mentor Petrela and Doctor Ridvan who is in charge of Microsurgery. We once again had the assistance of Dr Sokol Isaraj of the Plastic Surgery Department and Doctor Gramos who helped in the Unit. All the participants did very well and feel that the Course is essential for all surgeons. It will soon be on the curriculum of surgical training through the University of Tirana.

During the week, I met with Professor Ramazan Isufi of the Maxillofacial Surgery Department . He told me he has the honour of organising and hosting the 2016 European Conference in Maxillofacial Surgery for the first time in Tirana. He has invited me to speak at the Conference and the date is yet to be confirmed.

My wife Moya also came to Albania with me, her first visit in 5 years. She and Margalina Sina went to the State run Children’s Homes in Shkodra and Tirana . There they met the new Director in each Home and are happy to report that the Solar and plumbing projects installed by the volunteer construction team of Irish Friends of Albania are all working well and the children and staff are delighted. The Directors are both very progressive and ambitious for the children. We wish them every success.